GameDev Reincarnated into His Own Creation

Chapter 13: New Instance

"If I'm going to learn," Vel thought, taking a deep breath, "I guess I need every lesson there is."

He stepped forward, trying to ease the pressure that had built between Graham and his father.

"It was a good demonstration, really," Vel said, raising his hands in a placating gesture. "Graham was just showing how important it is to adapt and react quickly in combat. That's something we all need to remember."

Celia stood off to the side, her eyes wide with disbelief. She shifted slightly but seemed frozen in place, unsure how to process what had just unfolded.

Graham looked at Vel with a flicker of gratitude, but before he could respond, Von's gaze snapped onto Vel with an intensity that made him swallow hard. It felt like being pinned under a weighty boulder.

"Since when?" Von asked, his voice low but edged with concern. "When did you learn to use magic?"

Vel scratched the back of his head awkwardly as he searched for an answer. His mind raced back to that moment in the Ossuary—after everything that had happened while he was unconscious.

"Um... since... the Ossuary," he stammered out finally, feeling a rush of embarrassment flush through him.

Von's question hung in the air, and Vel noticed familiar expressions of shock and disbelief mirroring across their faces—the same looks Celia had given him when he first revealed his abilities to her.

Lady Halen stepped forward, her eyes narrowing with curiosity. "That's impossible. Magic requires attunement or sorcerer bloodline. No one can simply... acquire it."

Von crossed his arms, his stance rigid with concern. "And I know for certain neither Mari nor I carry sorcerer blood. This doesn't make sense."

Vel shifted uncomfortably under their scrutiny, remembering the explanation he'd given Celia. "I think... something happened in the Ossuary. The energy down there, what Trinon did—I almost died. Maybe that changed something in me."

Lady Halen's expression softened with understanding. "The Ossuary... yes, that could explain it." She tapped her chin thoughtfully. "Such places often hold residual magical energy. What you experienced might have acted as an attunement test of sorts. Near-death experiences have been known to unlock latent abilities."

The tension in Von's shoulders eased slightly at her words, though concern still lingered in his eyes.

Lady Halen waved her hand dismissively. "We can discuss this matter another time. For now..." She turned toward Graham, her gaze sharp and expectant. "I believe we have more pressing matters to address. The test results?"

All eyes turned to Graham, waiting for his verdict on Vel's performance. The earlier chaos of their duel faded into the background as they awaited the true purpose of this gathering.

Vel stood in the arena, heart racing as Graham's words settled over him like a warm blanket. The tension in the air shifted, and he could almost feel the crowd's anticipation pressing against his back.

"Well, do I even have to say it?" Graham announced, his tone returning to its usual confidence. "The boy forced something out of me. He definitely has something to hold on his own."

Vel felt a swell of pride wash over him, yet he kept his expression steady. He stole a glance at Celia, who looked pale and shaken by her earlier sparring session. Her shoulders slumped as she processed Graham's words.

Graham's gaze shifted to Celia, and Vel braced himself for what came next.

"For Celia, however," Graham continued, "you need more practice. I know some noble kids who could fight you in equal measure right now."